Canton, NY — The State University of New York New Paltz four-game winning streak came to an end on the road Tuesday night after falling to Canton, 89-76.
 
The Hawks dropped to 6-9 overall and 4-4 in the SUNYAC but remained fifth in the SUNYAC standings while the Roos improved to 3-12 and 2-6, respectively, as they moved to seventh on the conference leader board.
 
SUNY New Paltz got out to an early 6-0 lead thanks to Trevor Amalfitano who finished with a career-high 20 points, as he opened up the game with an and-1 on a tough finish at the rim, coupled with a straight-on 3-pointer within the first two minutes. Canton caught up to take its first lead at 15-14 at the 13-minute mark and from there the two teams exchanged leads five times.
 
Andrew Leonard re-upped the Hawks advantage with about nine minutes left on a make from the perimeter off an assist by Mo Sylla at 24-21. However, the momentum slowly staggered toward the hosts as Canton finished the last nine minutes on a 19-7 run with SUNY New Paltz going cold from the field as it missed 11 of its next 12 shots with four turnovers, which allowed the Roos to take a 40-32 advantage at the break.
 
Isaiah Rivera and Amalfitano helped the Hawks get within seven to start the second half, as Rivera earned a trip to the line on a strong drive through the paint where he made both ensuing attempts from the foul line before Amalfitano connected again from 3-point range to cut the score, 44-37 three minutes into the period. However, SUNY New Paltz couldn't get closer than seven at any point down the stretch. Leonard hit another triple with 13 minutes remaining to bring the difference back down to seven, but the Roos started building a double-digit lead going on a 12-1 run midway through to establish a comfortable 18-point cushion, which was enough to keep the Hawks at bay.

Thomas Keane created one last two-possession game, as he finished underneath to get his team within seven once more at 83-76 in the final minute, but Canton made its free throws in the waning seconds to ice the win.
 
SUNY New Paltz struggled finding its shooting touch throughout the game, making 24-of-68 attempts to connect on just 35.3 percent from the floor including 25 percent (8-32) from 3-point range. Rivera and Amalfitano were the team's leading scorers, posting 22 and 20 points, respectively with the latter adding eight boards, an assist, one block and steal, while the former tallied four rebounds, two assist and a team-leading four steals to go along with his career night. Sylla was the only other Hawk in double-figure points, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
 
SUNY New Paltz resumes SUNYAC play this weekend as it returns home to host Potsdam and Plattsburgh in the Hawk Center Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m., respectively.  


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